Yesterday I shared a quote from Helen Keller...
Today I am taking a different route with this one; a "quote" from the Book of Psalms in the Bible...a scripture that meant a lot to me following a very traumatic experience quite some years ago.
{I shared a bit of this experience in my Random Journal Day post; you can read it here.}
The verses continue:
The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anquish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
"O Lord, I pray, save my life!"
(Psalm 116:3-4 NRSV)
The Message Bible version of this verse says:
I love God because he listened to me,
listened as I begged for mercy.
He listened so intently
as I laid out my case before him.
Death stared me in the facee,
hell was hard on my heels.
Up against it,
I didn't know which way to turn;
then I called out to God for help:
"Please, God!" I cried out.
"Save my life!"
(Psalm 116:1-4 Message)
This verse was so helpful in my recovery from this traumatic experience. I assured me that God actually saved me...and I wondered for quite some time, "Why has He saved me?"
I'm not quite sure I really have that answer today, anymore than I did 17 years ago!
But, what I do know, and what this verse has assured me of, is this:
God listened to me 17 years ago when I called out to Him!
So...why is it so hard to remember that He is still listening!
And, back then I was calling to Him in the midst of a crisis - a traumatic experience...
I've read some versions of this scripture that says "...death was imminent." Yes, death was imminent; or at least a big possibility.
So, again, why is it so hard to remember that God is there for us...
Not only in the midst of a crisis or death or suffering or...whatever!
God is there for us - each and every day!
Just call upon Him...
Thanks for visiting my blog & leaving a comment! It made me happy to receive it! =) These verses are a real blessing. I agree, we are such a forgetful people, which reminds me of the Israelites when they wandered & grumbled & doubted through the desert - even though they had so many instances of God's faithfulness to hold to. I am like that. I am a forgetful one, but I guess some lessons just have to be relearned each day - God is going to take care of us; He is sovereign & faithful, & His plans are for our good. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
-Bess-
We do all need to be reminded daily, I think! God IS there!!
DeleteI have tried to get around to blog "reading" the past few days...some days I run out of time and barely get my posts done! Not sure how that goes with trying to do one DAILY; but we will see!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Barbara, oh my goodness, I'm in awe. He always sends the exact words we need to hear doesn't He? (Proverbs 4 for me just yesterday morning). I don't know why it's so hard for us to have Him constantly (consciously present constantly)....we're like naughty teenagers: we know we should say thanks to our parents but somehow that gets lost in the busyness of day-to-day life. Blessings, Barbara.....
ReplyDeleteLove how you describe "us" as naughty teenagers! But, you hit it just right!! That scripture was right on time; others over the years have been as well!
DeleteHoping the "Gifts" journal helps in remembering those blessings and gifts we receive each and every day!!
Thanks again for reading and commenting!